Brusters
Brusters offers premium ice cream and related products in retail stores, known for fresh, on-site production. This franchise is part of the ice cream shop industry.
About Brusters
Bruster's Ice Cream, Inc., also known as Bruster's Real Ice Cream or Bruster's, is an American chain of ice cream parlors based in Bridgewater, Pennsylvania. Their primary operating region is in most states east of the Mississippi River. The company's main products are ice cream and frozen yogurt. The ice cream is made on-site with a milk-based mix at each individual store in order to avoid ice crystal formation. There are 200 independently owned locations in 22 states, Guyana and South Korea.
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Brusters franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Bruster's franchised business ranges between $409,033 and $2,644,060, depending on whether the location is an end-cap or free-standing store. This includes $41,650 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $40,000 [p.11]. This fee is not refundable and is used to cover costs for providing training, promotional assistance, site selection guidance, and other services [p.21].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is 5% of Gross Sales [p.74]. Advertising contributions are not specified in terms of a fixed percentage or amount, but they are required [p.56], and local marketing expenses include direct costs like purchasing and producing marketing materials [p.36].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD does not detail the duration of the initial franchise agreement or the renewal process beyond mentioning that there are provisions for renewal [p.72].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to [p.112], you cannot transfer or attempt to transfer any part of your Franchised Business to a third party who will operate a similar business at the Accepted Location but not under the System and Proprietary Marks without a franchise agreement with the franchisor. This restriction applies whether you are selling or transferring the franchise. [p.119] also mentions that you cannot transfer the Accepted Location to any entity intending to operate a Competitive Business at the location.
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.205]. However, termination cannot be based on grounds that do not constitute 'reasonable cause' as defined under the Virginia Retail Franchising Act or Virginia laws [p.210, p.209, p.211].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD mentions the need for adequate financial resources and capital to purchase and operate the franchise [p.110], but it does not provide specific details on net worth or liquid capital requirements.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory under the Development Agreement [p.41]. You may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, and other channels of distribution or competitive brands that the franchisor controls [p.40].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training and onsite guidance. Specifically, Bruster's will train up to thirty-five Ice Cream Scoopers at the store where they will be employed, and will also provide three days of onsite support before opening and four days after. Additionally, Julie Maccaglia and other trainers will conduct New Owners Training in Bridgewater, though this is not specified as part of the initial training for employees [p.39]. For post-opening support deemed necessary by the franchisor, you may be required to cover travel and associated expenses up to $2,500 per store if additional on-site support is needed during the first 30 days of operation [p.24].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any financial performance representations except for the preceding one. They do not authorize their employees or representatives to make such representations either orally or in writing [p.57]. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, they may provide actual records of that outlet's performance [p.57].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to using only items that bear the franchisor's Proprietary Marks if required, and you must buy all Input Items, including pre-packaged Retail Products from suppliers approved by the franchisor. This includes certain specific items like ice cream and merchandise which must be bought from designated suppliers. [p.82, p.3, p.26]